Be Aware of these 7 Common Pitfalls in Business

Be Aware of these 7 Common Pitfalls in Business

December 30, 2005

Be Aware of these 7 Common Pitfalls in Business

Here are some possible resistances you will encounter in
business, not necessarily for us to avoid and resist, but
most importantly to be aware of and know that they are
there. Even the most dedicated traveler on this journey
will come across pitfalls.

Obsessive goal orientation -
Although it is great to set ambitious goals, the best way
to reaching them is to cultivate modest expectations along
the way, and most importantly to celebrate every small
achievement. Remember every step in this journey is its own
destination. As an example, when we are climbing a
mountain, we must be aware of where the peak is, however if
we keep looking at the peak, we might become overwhelmed
and enter the state of judgment and analysis. This by the
way, will cause a reverse effect, sometimes making us go
backwards. Let’s make sure that we keep our eyes on the
path, enjoying every step in this process, understanding
that the peak is only a land mark. By the way, we must also
realize that the peak is only a step in the journey from
which we choose the next peak. Life is full of peaks for a
person who wants to live their potential as a human being.
Therefore, we might as well enjoy the process of getting to
each of them.

No goal setting -
Sometimes as human beings, we tend to refuse to set goals
merely because we are carrying the burden of having set
them in the past, but not having accomplished them. We must
realize that if we do not accomplish a goal, it’s only
because we are human. But as long as we learn from it, and
keep on setting healthy step by step goals, we will end up
accomplishing a majority of them in the long run. Those who
have succeeded, have also failed. The only difference is
that they succeeded more than they failed. Therefore,
setting healthy goals along the way can sharpen and empower
us. Persistent healthy goal setting will end up being
persistent goal getting!

Little competitiveness -
A healthy level of competition is essential in business. It
provides some spice. It sometimes brings about that extra
level of willingness. It is true that the most important
competition should be to compete with ourselves. However,
it is important for us not to resist competition especially
if we resist it because of not wanting to be disappointed.
This is perhaps another subconscious pattern. So let’s
welcome a healthy level of competition understanding that
we can be on the right track, but if we don’t move, we
might get run over.

Over competitiveness -
Competition can provide the spice. However, when the spice
becomes the biggest ingredient in the meal, then the player
will get sick. A person who thinks about nothing but
winning, will end up losing. The focus should be on one’s
purpose, and also enjoying the process. A healthy level of
competition is good. An obsession with winning and
competing will take us out of the flow. After all, we know
by now that the Ego is never in the flow.

Inconsistency -
Consistency is the only way to grow. Inconsistency takes
energy and time. Being consistent, even on a part time
basis, is much more powerful than coming in and out of this
flow. Remember the example of the Rabbit and the Turtle?
Sometimes in business, it is better to have a turtle mind
set, than that of a Rabbit. I remember to create in my
business, I had a rabbit-turtle combo. That means have the
mind set of a turtle, with the motor skills of a rabbit.
But that is perhaps another newsletter. One step at a time!
Starting with consistent steps.

Perfectionism -
For me, being a perfectionist brings about an instant self
criticism component. I am glad to say that I have learned
to be good to myself. Therefore, I have realized that to
let go of perfectionism, means to get out of the way, and
perform to the best of my ability in the moment. This also
brings in an understanding that the next level will be more
effective, and more efficient than this level.

However, the next level will not occur, unless the current
level is experienced fully without judgment and attachment.
It’s to believe that we can not merely wait till we are
good. We must first do, and then we will be good. I have
truly learned that perfectionism is one of the biggest
blocks to creativity. I have also learned when I am
creative, I accomplish more. When I accomplish more, I feel
good. But to be creative, I now know that I must first feel
good.

So in this equation, the enzymes that catalyze the reaction
are feeling good and being creative. This equals
accomplishment. Perfectionism is the stop sign. It is the
resistance in the way. Once again, I want to take the road
of least resistance. So in the world of creativity, flow,
and accomplishment, perfectionism is not an enzyme. It is a
fungus! That should give you a nice mental picture! Ok.
Moving right along!

Plateaus -
In business, we so often resist plateaus. We feel that if
we experience a plateau, then that means that something is
not quite right out there with our business or our company.
Although that sometimes can be true, but this definition
can end up being one that exhausts and drains us. I have
learned in my business to not resist the plateaus, but
rather have them be an indication of perhaps an internal
modification that might be required.

That means that during a plateau, we could look inside and
improve or change something that could allow us to grow.
One step toward internal growth can sometimes end up being
hundreds of steps toward external growth. Therefore, one
will realize that a plateau can now be embraced rather than
resisted. Building a business is so much more fun as well
when a thing such as a plateau is looked at differently.